Tour week – a drive through Indian Hill Estates and West Wilmette

While I'm away on vacation this week, I'm dipping into the archives to show you around parts of Wilmette we haven't visited in a while.

We begin with Indian Hill Estates, a 170-acre subdivision planned by architect Philip Maher in the 1920s.

It's bounded by Hunter and Hibbard Roads, Lake Avenue on the south, and Winnetka on the north.

The area was largely built up in the 1950s and 1960s and features large lots, winding roads, and homes priced upwards (in some cases well-upwards) of $1M.

For all that they have in common, East Wilmette and West Wilmette have as many differences.

The housing stock in West Wilmette is varied - and much of it consists of single-story and split-level ranch homes priced at levels that will surprise people who think of Wilmette as purely a province for the rich, as you'll see in the above two videos.

West of Skokie Rd (Rte 41) in Wilmette all of the north -- south streets have names that begin with an L: Lacrosse, Lamon, Laporte, Lavergne, Lawler, Leclaire, Long, Leamington and Laramie.

This is an area that belies the North Shore's reputation as a wealthy enclave. Homes typically include 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a free-standing garage, and can be priced as low as the mid-$200s.

North of Wilmette Ave the area is served by Avoca School District 37. South of Wilmette Ave children attend Wilmette District 39 schools. The entire area is served by New Trier High School.

The area has a diverse population, including a strong Asian presence.

Join me for a drive along Laramie Ave from Lake Ave to Glenview Rd in the above video.